Eurovison Song Contest 2020 Cancelled Due To Coronavirus
Wednesday, 18 March 2020
Written by Jon Stickler
This year's Eurovision Song Contest has been cancelled.
Following increased concern around the coronavirus pandemic, organisers have announced their decision "to not continue with the live event as planned".
Singer-songwriter James Newman was due to represent the UK at the 65th final in Rotterdam on May 16 with the ballad My Last Breath. Read the full statement from the organisers below.
It is with deep regret that we have to announce the cancellation of the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Rotterdam.
Over the past few weeks, we have explored many alternative options to allow the Eurovision Song Contest to go ahead.
However, the uncertainty created by the spread of COVID-19 throughout Europe – and the restrictions put in place by the governments of the participating broadcasters and the Dutch authorities - means the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has taken the difficult decision to not continue with the live event as planned. The health of artists, staff, fans and visitors, as well as the situation in the Netherlands, Europe and the world, is at the heart of this decision.
We are very proud that the Eurovision Song Contest has united audiences every year, without interruption, for the past 64 years and we, like the millions of you around the world, are extremely saddened that it can not take place in May.
The EBU, NPO, NOS, AVROTROS and the City of Rotterdam will continue in conversation regarding the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2021.
We ask some patience as we work through the ramifications of this unprecedented decision and patiently await further news in the coming days and weeks.
During that time, we would like to pay tribute to all the Host Broadcaster team in the Netherlands and our 41 Members who have worked so hard planning this year’s event.
We are all heartbroken that the Eurovision Song Contest will not be able to be staged in May but feel confident that the whole Eurovision family, across the world, will continue to provide love and support for each other at this difficult time.
Eurovision 2021 will also be held in Rotterdam, but with new acts and new songs. All artists from this year will be invited back; but due to the rules, all current songs will no longer be eligible.
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